In the lush, fertile lands of North Bengal, a silent revolution is taking root, one that could hold the key to securing India’s food future in the face of a changing climate. This revolution is not led by politicians or policymakers, but by farmers, armed with innovative technologies and a newfound understanding of climate resilience.
At the heart of this transformation are the Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs), or Farm Science Centers, established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. These centers are spearheading the National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project, which aims to equip farmers with the tools they need to combat the challenges posed by climate change.
A recent study, published in the Environment Conservation Journal, or ‘Journal of Environmental Conservation’ in English, sheds light on the adoption levels of these climate-resilient technologies among farmers in the North Bengal districts of West Bengal. The research, led by Akhila Badavath from the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at Centurion University of Technology and Management in Odisha, provides a compelling snapshot of the progress being made and the hurdles that remain.
The study, conducted in 2021-22, focused on two KVKs in the Malda and Cooch Behar districts. In each district, one village that had adopted the NICRA project was compared with a non-adopted village. The results were striking. Villages that had embraced the NICRA project showed significantly higher adoption scores for climate-resilient technologies, such as water harvesting, recycling, in-situ moisture conservation, and other water-saving techniques.
“The difference in adoption levels is stark,” Badavath explains. “Farmers in adopted villages have greater access to resources, knowledge, and support, which enables them to implement these technologies more effectively.”
This disparity highlights a critical challenge: the uneven distribution of information and resources. Farmers in non-adopted villages often lack the necessary knowledge and support to implement these technologies, hindering their ability to adapt to climate change.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. As climate change intensifies, the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable agricultural practices will only grow. Technologies that conserve water and improve soil moisture can significantly reduce the energy required for irrigation, leading to substantial cost savings and environmental benefits.
Moreover, the success of the NICRA project in adopted villages demonstrates the potential for similar initiatives to drive widespread adoption of climate-resilient technologies. By providing adequate training and support, policymakers and industry leaders can empower farmers to implement these technologies effectively, securing both food and energy security in the face of a changing climate.
As Badavath notes, “The future of agriculture in India depends on our ability to adapt to climate change. By equipping farmers with the right tools and knowledge, we can build a more resilient and sustainable food system.”
The study’s findings serve as a call to action, urging stakeholders to invest in training and support for farmers in non-adopted villages. By bridging the gap in knowledge and resources, we can accelerate the adoption of climate-resilient technologies, ensuring a more secure and sustainable future for all.